s3e34 electrolytic etching with artist Jason Scuilla

In s3e34, Platemark host Ann Shafer speaks with Jason Scuilla, artist and professor at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. The university is hosting the Mid America Print Council conference in the fall of 2024, and Jason was eager to talk about the conference and its call for proposals of all sorts. The deadline is the end of September 2023; the link is https://fromtheashes.k-state.edu/.

In addition to the MAPC conference, Ann was eager to speak with Jason about his research into electrolytic etching, a non-toxic method of creating superbly detailed, precise, and rich etchings. They also talk about teaching undergrad and grad students, sabbaticals, as well as Jason’s own work.

Episode image: Melissa Scuilla

Konza Prairie, Flint Hills, Kansas.

Mid America Print Council conference homepage.

Hale Library Great Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.

Crayola’s Colors of the World markers.

Michelangelo (Italian, 1475–1564). The Last Judgment, 1536–41. Fresco. 13.7 m × 12 m (45 × 39 ft.). Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

Rembrandt (Dutch, 1606–1669). The Windmill, 1641. Etching. Sheet: 5 7/8 x 8 5/16 in. (15 x 21.1 cm.). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828). Plate 43 from Los Caprichos: The sleep of reason produces monsters (El sueño de la razon produce monstruos), 1799. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 8 3/8 x 5 15/16 in. (21.2 x 15.1 cm.); sheet: 11 5/8 x 8 1/4 in. (29.5 x 21 cm.). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Student interpretations of Goya Caprichos etchings for the first project in Intro to Printmaking Techniques class at Kansas State University.

Student interpretations of Goya Caprichos etchings for the first project in Intro to Printmaking Techniques class at Kansas State University.

Frank and Dorothy Getlein. The Bite of the Print: Satire and Irony in Woodcut, Engravings, Etchings, and Lithographs. New York: Bramhall House, 1963.

Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828). Plate 11 from The Disasters of War (Los Desastres de la Guerra): Neither do these (Ni por esas), c. 1810. Etching, drypoint, and burin. Plate: 6 5/16 × 8 3/8 in. (16.1 × 21.2 cm.); sheet: 8 3/8 × 12 3/4 in. (21.3 × 32.4 cm.). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Veduta. Electrolytic etching. 12 x 9 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Echoes of Rome: Villa with Spirits. Multiplate electrolytic etching. Plate: 16 x 12 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Monk with Fantastic Digit. Electrolytic etching. 12 x 9 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Proxy War Monument (King Covid). Electrolytic etching. Plate: 32 x 24 in.

[DETAIL] Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Proxy War Monument (King Covid). Electrolytic etching. Plate: 32 x 24 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Plate for Proxy War Monument (King Covid). Electrolytically etched copper plate. Plate: 32 x 24 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Arsenale. Multi-plate electrolytic etching and acid etching. Plate: 12 x 9 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Stone Head. Monotype, stencil, relief, and drawing. 22 x 15 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Proxy War Monument with Abductee. Color etching. Plate: 16 x 12 in.

Jason Scuilla (American, born 1980). Proxy War Monument (Self Portrait). Multiplate color electrolytic etching. Plate: 16 x 12 in.

Large bath for electrolytic etching, Kansas State University.

Testing area for electrolytic etching, Kansas State University.

Didactic explaining the NEA grant for electrolytic etching, Kansas State University.

Jason Scuilla welcoming members of the Print Council of America to the printshop at Kansas State University in 2019.

Copper plate going into the bath for electrolytic etching, Kansas State University.

USEFUL LINKS

Jason’s website: www.jasonscuilla.com

Instagram: @jscuilla

Mid America Print Council:  www.mapc2024.com

MAPC conference website: https://fromtheashes.k-state.edu/

KState grad program: https://art.ksu.edu/

Link to Leonardo article: https://direct.mit.edu/leon/article-abstract/54/4/427/97277/An-Optimized-Nontoxic-Electrolytic-Etching

Link to MET lecture: https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/met-speaks/free-lectures/conversation-etchings

The Bite of the Print book:  https://www.amazon.com/Woodcuts-Engravings-Etchings-Lithographs-Serigraphs/dp/B0006AY31Q

Course Trailer: Printmaking during Civil Unrest and Challenging Times: https://youtu.be/5MNQiYl_xPk

This episode exists as a YouTube video as well. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/tjsvRWdC8V0 

Platemark is produced by Ann Shafer
Theme music: Michael Diamond
Audio mixing: Dan Fury, Extension Audio
PR and Marketing: Elizabeth Berger, EYB Creates